Global Buddhist Leaders Convene in Japan for 9th World Buddhist Summit
The 9th World Buddhist Summit (World Buddhist Supreme Conference) was held from April 7 to 11, 2026, at the Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Hosted at the Nenbutsushu Sampozan Muryojuji Temple in Kato City, the summit brought together leading Buddhist figures and international delegates from 51 countries to promote peace, compassion, and the teachings of the Buddha.
The conference served as a global platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on the role of Buddhist values in addressing modern challenges and fostering harmony across nations. The program included International Buddhist Day observances, high-level roundtable discussions, and cultural exchanges that reflected the diversity of global Buddhist traditions.
Distinguished participants included delegations from countries such as Uganda, Cambodia, and the United Kingdom, alongside representatives from Buddhist communities across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The gathering emphasized unity beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
A message from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in today’s world. He noted that in an era marked by division and conflict, the Buddha’s message of nonviolence, compassion, and service offers a pathway toward a peaceful and sustainable future. Reflecting on his 2023 visit to Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal, he emphasized the importance of global unity in overcoming shared challenges.
The summit concluded on April 10 with a farewell ceremony featuring traditional Japanese cultural performances, leaving participants with a renewed commitment to advancing peace and cooperation through the principles of the Dharma.
Organizers described the event as a meaningful step toward strengthening international Buddhist collaboration and reaffirming the role of spiritual values in building a more harmonious world.
By Elevate News Desk
